looivy
11-12 05:06 PM
How early do I need to apply to get an appointment at vancouver or Toronto or Mexico?
Vancouver stamping experience (Oct 2009):
Guys we successfully had our H1B visa stamping done in Vancouver, Canada. First let me start about Vancouver and man what a beautiful place it is. It�s also called Glass City but has its own natural side in which no city can come close.
We flew into Vancouver from Seattle, WA and stayed at Days inn near West Pender St, which we did not like at all. Also take some time for taking pictures inside Vancouver airport. I think they are beautifying the airport for the Winter Olympics in 2010 but the totem poles and some exhibits are worth watching. Taxi ride to the airport is about 30$.
One advantage with Days Inn on West Pender is walking distance to the US embassy. One the visa day we came at 9:00 AM (Tuesday) to the consulate with DS-160 confirmation letter. We uploaded the photos during our electronic submission but better to have additional photos as we have seen many people being sent out as the picture in the application was not clear. The whole process took about 2 Hours and I was back to the hotel room by about 11:30 AM.
After the consulate visit on Tuesday we immediately shifted to Century Plaza Hotel & Spa. We got a good deal for Century Plaza and were surprised at the level of luxury we got.
I was only asked for my H1B approval document. The officer asked questions about our previous work location as he was from the same place. I was told to collect the document on Thursday as Wednesday was a holiday. We booked our tickets for Friday as we thought it would take two days to get our passport back.
The Friday journey meant we had lots of time to visit some amazing places in Vancouver, Canada. We visited Stanley park (must visit), Granville Island (very expensive-not much to do-liked the boat taxi), Canada place (beautiful spot for a great view), Robson street (nice street for shopping), Victoria Island (long travel but a worthy one), Caplilano suspension bridge (Did not find it too surprising), Bushart gardens-Victoria Island (must visit) and Parliament building-Victoria Island (must visit). Heard lot of good reviews about British Columbia history museum but missed it. Public transportation is great in Vancouver but do take enough time if you are planning for it. Also do take two days if you want to cover Victoria Island. The journey (Bus+BCFerry) itself takes half day.
Some of the places I would recommend for food are Banana leaf Malaysian restaurant, India Bistro and Sala Thai.
We were very depressed by the thought of another Visa stamping but Vancouver visit changed the entire episode. Been to Toronto and Ottawa before but nothing like Vancouver.
Vancouver stamping experience (Oct 2009):
Guys we successfully had our H1B visa stamping done in Vancouver, Canada. First let me start about Vancouver and man what a beautiful place it is. It�s also called Glass City but has its own natural side in which no city can come close.
We flew into Vancouver from Seattle, WA and stayed at Days inn near West Pender St, which we did not like at all. Also take some time for taking pictures inside Vancouver airport. I think they are beautifying the airport for the Winter Olympics in 2010 but the totem poles and some exhibits are worth watching. Taxi ride to the airport is about 30$.
One advantage with Days Inn on West Pender is walking distance to the US embassy. One the visa day we came at 9:00 AM (Tuesday) to the consulate with DS-160 confirmation letter. We uploaded the photos during our electronic submission but better to have additional photos as we have seen many people being sent out as the picture in the application was not clear. The whole process took about 2 Hours and I was back to the hotel room by about 11:30 AM.
After the consulate visit on Tuesday we immediately shifted to Century Plaza Hotel & Spa. We got a good deal for Century Plaza and were surprised at the level of luxury we got.
I was only asked for my H1B approval document. The officer asked questions about our previous work location as he was from the same place. I was told to collect the document on Thursday as Wednesday was a holiday. We booked our tickets for Friday as we thought it would take two days to get our passport back.
The Friday journey meant we had lots of time to visit some amazing places in Vancouver, Canada. We visited Stanley park (must visit), Granville Island (very expensive-not much to do-liked the boat taxi), Canada place (beautiful spot for a great view), Robson street (nice street for shopping), Victoria Island (long travel but a worthy one), Caplilano suspension bridge (Did not find it too surprising), Bushart gardens-Victoria Island (must visit) and Parliament building-Victoria Island (must visit). Heard lot of good reviews about British Columbia history museum but missed it. Public transportation is great in Vancouver but do take enough time if you are planning for it. Also do take two days if you want to cover Victoria Island. The journey (Bus+BCFerry) itself takes half day.
Some of the places I would recommend for food are Banana leaf Malaysian restaurant, India Bistro and Sala Thai.
We were very depressed by the thought of another Visa stamping but Vancouver visit changed the entire episode. Been to Toronto and Ottawa before but nothing like Vancouver.
chantu
01-15 11:16 AM
I have one question that I will post here. I do not want to open a new thread.
I am inviting my in-laws and I filled their DS156 forms online. After filling everything, it generated the pdf file of DS156. In that pdf file, there is one section in upper right hand corner called "DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE". Under that section there is a line (fill in the blanks type) starting with "On ______ by _____ under section 214(b) 221(g) ".
Now after generating the pdf, the appointment date was automatically put into this section. Example: "On 01 January 2009 by ......".
I am worried why they put the date there and the date was not there when I took appointment for my parents. I also checked my collegues parents DS156, and the date was still not there. It is Mumbai consulate.
Can somebody please confirm if they had similar experience and they got their parent's or in-laws visa granted??
Thanks.
I am inviting my in-laws and I filled their DS156 forms online. After filling everything, it generated the pdf file of DS156. In that pdf file, there is one section in upper right hand corner called "DO NOT WRITE IN THIS SPACE". Under that section there is a line (fill in the blanks type) starting with "On ______ by _____ under section 214(b) 221(g) ".
Now after generating the pdf, the appointment date was automatically put into this section. Example: "On 01 January 2009 by ......".
I am worried why they put the date there and the date was not there when I took appointment for my parents. I also checked my collegues parents DS156, and the date was still not there. It is Mumbai consulate.
Can somebody please confirm if they had similar experience and they got their parent's or in-laws visa granted??
Thanks.
drirshad
06-22 05:46 AM
Be fast u only got a month ....
Get in touch with a good attorney, call shusterman.com and get an hour of consultation charges for u.
Tell him the situation, give him the two options. He will point you in the right direction. Remember July is the only month you have a chance. August and retrogress can kick in for Indians.
Let me add one more option to the above 2. Talk to your employers thru whom you got the approved I-140 and ask them to allow you file the I-485 since GC is for future employment u don't have to be working for them for filing I-485 now once 6 months are over with the 485 filed you can port it to ur current employer. Email me if u have questions dr_irshad2001@yahoo.com
Good luck & hurry ...
Get in touch with a good attorney, call shusterman.com and get an hour of consultation charges for u.
Tell him the situation, give him the two options. He will point you in the right direction. Remember July is the only month you have a chance. August and retrogress can kick in for Indians.
Let me add one more option to the above 2. Talk to your employers thru whom you got the approved I-140 and ask them to allow you file the I-485 since GC is for future employment u don't have to be working for them for filing I-485 now once 6 months are over with the 485 filed you can port it to ur current employer. Email me if u have questions dr_irshad2001@yahoo.com
Good luck & hurry ...
waitnwatch
06-04 03:15 PM
As an F1 student you can surely apply for EB2-NIW. Being from India you will not be able to file an I-485 concurrently as EB2 priority dates are not current. On the other hand you may file for EB1-A and I-485 concurrently. Getting approval under any of these categories is not trivial though as there are a lot of things to prove to the USCIS's satisfaction.
One thing to note is that you may have trouble renewing an F1 visa from a consulate in India if you have a permanent residence petition pending. This is because an F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa with an intent to return to home country on completion of study. Filing for permanent residence will show that you are a potential immigrant and so donot fulfil the terms and condition for an F1 visa and will be a reason for denial.
Hope this help .........I'm not a lawyer though.
One thing to note is that you may have trouble renewing an F1 visa from a consulate in India if you have a permanent residence petition pending. This is because an F1 visa is a non-immigrant visa with an intent to return to home country on completion of study. Filing for permanent residence will show that you are a potential immigrant and so donot fulfil the terms and condition for an F1 visa and will be a reason for denial.
Hope this help .........I'm not a lawyer though.
more...
atlfp
04-08 12:34 PM
I thought the "Freedom of Information Act" requires the federal goverment to disclose all data and procedure unless it is exempt by some other laws (list of super spies, for instance). Wouldn't it be possible to using this law to force them to disclose their numbers?
Is there any month by month ombudsman report? I was just thinking It doesn't have too much of use if they report AFTER the number is wasted....
I am not an expert in law but we cannot "Force" the deparment of state to release numbers. However some numbers are already available for 2005 in usage stats.
If they waste numbers in 2006, then they may be recaptured and used in 2007 - ONLY IF - the comprehensive bill or the PACE act passes as both have recapture provision.
Doesnt the ombudsman report show all numbers even today? I thought they did.
Is there any month by month ombudsman report? I was just thinking It doesn't have too much of use if they report AFTER the number is wasted....
I am not an expert in law but we cannot "Force" the deparment of state to release numbers. However some numbers are already available for 2005 in usage stats.
If they waste numbers in 2006, then they may be recaptured and used in 2007 - ONLY IF - the comprehensive bill or the PACE act passes as both have recapture provision.
Doesnt the ombudsman report show all numbers even today? I thought they did.
whattodo
05-02 01:30 PM
What if 6 months are left before my 6 years of H1B expires? Can I still get 3 years extension based on approved I-140 from another company?
I think you can get the extension with new company too. While applying for the transfer request extension upto Feb 2010. You might have to provide the I140 approval again to prove that you are eligible for 3-year extension.
I think you can join the company immediately. To be in safe side you can apply for transfer in premium.
As you might be aware there is no such thing as H1B transfer - every h1b application is a new one for that company and you as beneficeiry. So when applying for H1B with new company - you have to provide evidence that you are eligible for the H1B. The evidence is to show you are already on H1B (so that you are not subject to annual cap); and that you have enough time on H1B if you already completed 6 years then evidence to prove that you are eligible for further extension of h1b. So in short yes you can get 3 years with new employer. (NOTE: I am not lawyer this is my understanding based on various sources; I am also considering moving after my i140 is approved).
I think you can get the extension with new company too. While applying for the transfer request extension upto Feb 2010. You might have to provide the I140 approval again to prove that you are eligible for 3-year extension.
I think you can join the company immediately. To be in safe side you can apply for transfer in premium.
As you might be aware there is no such thing as H1B transfer - every h1b application is a new one for that company and you as beneficeiry. So when applying for H1B with new company - you have to provide evidence that you are eligible for the H1B. The evidence is to show you are already on H1B (so that you are not subject to annual cap); and that you have enough time on H1B if you already completed 6 years then evidence to prove that you are eligible for further extension of h1b. So in short yes you can get 3 years with new employer. (NOTE: I am not lawyer this is my understanding based on various sources; I am also considering moving after my i140 is approved).
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ivgclive
05-10 10:22 AM
VB will come today.
I am going to ask my lawyer why it is late. It is is generally on Fridays in the first week on the month.
We should hope for a good VB as it is delayed. If it was copy paste, it would have come out sooner.
What do you say?
You nailed it my friend.
I have been thinking of it for years.
It has to be discussed very seriously.
Note: Give me your lawyer email id. I will ask him to charge every question you ask, so he does not have to have any clients except you for his living.
I am going to ask my lawyer why it is late. It is is generally on Fridays in the first week on the month.
We should hope for a good VB as it is delayed. If it was copy paste, it would have come out sooner.
What do you say?
You nailed it my friend.
I have been thinking of it for years.
It has to be discussed very seriously.
Note: Give me your lawyer email id. I will ask him to charge every question you ask, so he does not have to have any clients except you for his living.
Sreenuuk
08-07 09:24 AM
August Visa Bulletin is out.
EB2 - Jun 1 2006 (Unchanged) for India/China
EB3 - Unavailable.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4310.html
EB2 - Jun 1 2006 (Unchanged) for India/China
EB3 - Unavailable.
http://travel.state.gov/visa/frvi/bulletin/bulletin_4310.html
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krishmunn
02-10 09:47 AM
Krish,
it is not all black and white, if your previous LCA covers the new work location, you should be fine, else a new LCA is required.
HRPRO
I am working as FTE (no client). Our office physically moved to a new address within the same Metro area. There is no change in wage requirement as per flcdatacenter. In fact, flcdatcenter consider this as same division.
it is not all black and white, if your previous LCA covers the new work location, you should be fine, else a new LCA is required.
HRPRO
I am working as FTE (no client). Our office physically moved to a new address within the same Metro area. There is no change in wage requirement as per flcdatacenter. In fact, flcdatcenter consider this as same division.
db_greencard
08-21 11:09 AM
I saw someone post today with July 19th getting checks encashed.
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a_yaja
06-05 10:12 PM
Thanks for the reply. But like I mentioned, this case was approved on 5/8/2008 and the approval notice was sent on 5/8/2008 and received on 5/14/2008. Between 5/8/2008 and 5/22/2008 the status was "approved, approval notice sent".
Afterwards since 5/22/2008 the online status became "new documents sent on 5/22/2008, you should receive it within 30 days". I do not think this "new document" is the approval notice coz I even received it before they sent. Just curious what could this "New document" be. Would it change the status of my I-140 (like revoke or withdraw or RFE)?
I had a similar experience. Four weeks after my I-140 was approved, I had another LUD and when I checked the online status, it had the same message that you mentioned. When I asked my lawyer, he told me that it ususally means that the employer has received a copy of the approval as well. And sure enough, 3 days later, I found out from HR that they received the I-140 approval letter and they wanted to know what to do with it.
Afterwards since 5/22/2008 the online status became "new documents sent on 5/22/2008, you should receive it within 30 days". I do not think this "new document" is the approval notice coz I even received it before they sent. Just curious what could this "New document" be. Would it change the status of my I-140 (like revoke or withdraw or RFE)?
I had a similar experience. Four weeks after my I-140 was approved, I had another LUD and when I checked the online status, it had the same message that you mentioned. When I asked my lawyer, he told me that it ususally means that the employer has received a copy of the approval as well. And sure enough, 3 days later, I found out from HR that they received the I-140 approval letter and they wanted to know what to do with it.
pitha
11-19 01:47 PM
This processing dates is just an act or rather a scam. USCIS and DOS will do what they like. I personally know a lot of people who applied there 485 a month after I did during July 2007 and whose priority date was 6 to 7 months behind me and they got there green card in August 2008 and I did not, I am sure a lot of you are in the same position. Whats the point in looking at these processing dates when there is no order or proper manner in which USCIS processes them, it is worse than a fish market. If we are lucky the monthly bulletin dates might move again (I doubt it), even if it moves you just dont know how far it might move, it might be 1 month or even to 2007. USCIS will then issue GC to 2007 and make a fool of 2004 and 2005 folks. I guess we have no choice but to bear this brutality. I for one have stopped looking at processing dates and even monthly bulletin. On top of it we have Obama\Durbin in control of washington, not sure what sort of nightmarish "immigration reform" they are cooking. I am at a low point, for the first time I am fearing I might have to leave US (or might be kicked out of US by Obama \Durbin "Immigration reform") after comming here and staying legally for 10 years and obeying all the laws.
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karthkc
03-18 01:38 PM
what is GC sponser? ABC company couldnt find a project for me. So i am on bench.
GC Sponsor is the employer who has started your Green Card process...
How did you get your EAD?
GC Sponsor is the employer who has started your Green Card process...
How did you get your EAD?
sledge_hammer
04-18 01:15 PM
RareRFEon485,
No need to worry if your employer is consulting company. If so, then in reply to USICS mention that you are employed by employer, but works/worked on different client sites for them which are in different states.
Keep all your previous LCA ready or better attach copies of all with your reply. Not a big deal.
I think its not a difficult RFE to respond. Consult your attorney for formal reply.
@waitingmygc - What you are saying is plain garbage. The OP has all the more reasons to worry if his employer is a consulting company. These firms send their consultants to various client locations, but don't file for LCAs each time.
@OP - It is very strange to see USCIS is going back to see if any LCA violation occurred at this stage of your application. You will need a good attorney on your side. Good luck!
No need to worry if your employer is consulting company. If so, then in reply to USICS mention that you are employed by employer, but works/worked on different client sites for them which are in different states.
Keep all your previous LCA ready or better attach copies of all with your reply. Not a big deal.
I think its not a difficult RFE to respond. Consult your attorney for formal reply.
@waitingmygc - What you are saying is plain garbage. The OP has all the more reasons to worry if his employer is a consulting company. These firms send their consultants to various client locations, but don't file for LCAs each time.
@OP - It is very strange to see USCIS is going back to see if any LCA violation occurred at this stage of your application. You will need a good attorney on your side. Good luck!
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NO_Free_Rider
09-10 09:13 PM
Hi,
I know there have been numerous posts regarding this matter, but there have been a lot of different responses to the same question. I would really appreciate it if you could please have a look at the questions below and clarify these matters, not only for me, but also for a lot of other IV members who are in the same boat as me.
I am working for an IT consulting company on an H1B visa. My employer (Company X) has applied for my green card under the EB3/India category. I have my labor and I-140 approved. My priority date is March 2006. .... ....
That was real quick to get Labor & I-140 approved in 6 months. I thought PERM is taking more time these days. Also at this pace who needs premium I-140 processing?
I know there have been numerous posts regarding this matter, but there have been a lot of different responses to the same question. I would really appreciate it if you could please have a look at the questions below and clarify these matters, not only for me, but also for a lot of other IV members who are in the same boat as me.
I am working for an IT consulting company on an H1B visa. My employer (Company X) has applied for my green card under the EB3/India category. I have my labor and I-140 approved. My priority date is March 2006. .... ....
That was real quick to get Labor & I-140 approved in 6 months. I thought PERM is taking more time these days. Also at this pace who needs premium I-140 processing?
gc genie
11-05 01:34 PM
Does AP document come to the attorney or the applicant directly?
Thanks for the info in advance.
Thanks for the info in advance.
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rajuram
04-05 06:42 PM
Yes it is correct link, many of us are headed this way....
This is not a correct official link.
This is not a correct official link.
STAmisha
08-03 10:19 AM
Spoke with a lawyer. He told me that PD need not be current to interfile though it is commonly held belief
singhsa3
07-18 02:27 PM
I am also mad, people like these abuse the whole system.
Sorry admin, I got mad at this guy.
Sorry admin, I got mad at this guy.
ujayra01
05-10 08:03 PM
I did apply PIO for my daughter 3 weeks ago and it's still processing. This is NY consulate. The status simply says couple more days!
BharatPremi
12-07 10:10 AM
My wife went for her biometrics today and what a surprise, her date of birth on the system was wrong.
She only had DL on her and no passport. So, the ASC staff took her biometrics but refused to correct her DOB, claiming that passport was needed.
So, we called up USCIS and upon description of the problem,were immediately transferred to level 2. Level 2 looked at the cases and confirmed that DOB was wrong on I-485. It was correct in I-765 and I-131. She said that the only way to correct it was to take infopass and present passport and DL.
It is now more or less clear that DOB mismatch has caused her EAD to be stalled for so long.I have already got my EAD.
Moral of the story : take passport for FP, infopass, etc. all the time.
Our EADs and APs were filed separately with I-485 courier receipt. What a mess !!
lets see what happens at infopass.
Yes, USCIS is a Jungle and not sweet
She only had DL on her and no passport. So, the ASC staff took her biometrics but refused to correct her DOB, claiming that passport was needed.
So, we called up USCIS and upon description of the problem,were immediately transferred to level 2. Level 2 looked at the cases and confirmed that DOB was wrong on I-485. It was correct in I-765 and I-131. She said that the only way to correct it was to take infopass and present passport and DL.
It is now more or less clear that DOB mismatch has caused her EAD to be stalled for so long.I have already got my EAD.
Moral of the story : take passport for FP, infopass, etc. all the time.
Our EADs and APs were filed separately with I-485 courier receipt. What a mess !!
lets see what happens at infopass.
Yes, USCIS is a Jungle and not sweet
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